World Spring 17.2

The basic history of the Ottoman Empire is easy to remember in World Civ chronology: it Begins in period B, Climaxes in C, Declines in D, and Ends in E. Today your reading focuses on the decline and end of the once mighty and fearsome Ottoman Empire. Both internal and external problems led to the decline of the Empire, enabling European powers and new European nations to break away from its domains in Europe. In Africa and the Middle East, the commercial and political interests of the so-called "Great Powers" of Europe began to carve the Empire up, much like they were doing in Africa and China. Attempts to reform the empire both economically and politically failed, and eventually the Ottoman Empire disappeared as a result of Allied victories in WWI. The legacy of the Ottoman Empire, however, continues to shape Middle Eastern, North African, and European affairs to this day.

Key Questions:

What changes from within and without brought about the decline of the Ottoman Empire?

Why did some European powers seek to "prop up" the declining Ottoman Empire?

How did the "Young Turk" movement and World War I bring about the demise of the Ottoman Empire?

Homework:

Read and annotate pages 32-25 in your reader and write a brief paragraph answer to both of the following questions. For each answer you should have one clear claim, based upon THREE pieces of evidence that you reference, but do NOT directly quote. Conclude your paragraph with one or two brief sentences of analysis or commentary.

1. Why did the Ottoman Empire come to be known as "The Sick Man of Europe" in the middle of period D, and how did it live up to that reputation as the century progressed?

2. Was the Ottoman Empire's prolonged decline more the result of it's own policies, or the actions of others? Defend your answer.